Buying Guide For Double Strollers
If you have two children who are close in age, a double stroller can be a valuable investment. These compact tandem buggies or flexible side by side buggies will keep both children within sight when you are navigating the aisles of your grocery store and parks, as well as whatever else life can throw at you.
Comfort
When looking for a double stroller for your child, comfort is a key consideration. This can include the seating arrangement and overall size, which will have an impact on ease of use and storage. Katie Billingsley, a child expert in child development from Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat, advises parents to be aware of the stroller's weight and folded dimensions. "They should also take a look at the recline options for seats and age ranges to ensure a perfect fit for their family."
A reputable double stroller must be able to handle different surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to park paths and from toddler booster seats to infant car seats. It should also offer versatile seating arrangements for children of various age and comfort features such as windows that can be opened and closed to keep kids shielded from sun or rain.
For a majority of families double strollers will be used from birth until the age of five, so it's crucial to think about the seating options. Billingsley says there are two main categories: in-line with one seat in front of the other and side-byside with seats adjacent to one another. Some parents prefer the in-line model because of its sleek appearance and flexibility. Others prefer a wagon-style double stroller to maximize space for groceries or bulky items.
Although some models may have different recline options - with one seat nearly flat while the other one remains upright, this type of distinction is more prevalent in the in-line models. Billingsley suggests selecting a model with both a near flat recline as well as leg rest adjustments for both seats. This will ensure that both children can lie down comfortably.
She also suggests that parents look for strollers that have storage compartments to allow them to easily access their snacks, personal items and toys in motion. She suggests that it's beneficial to choose a stroller with a parent console or organizer bag attached to the handlebars. This will allow you to keep your essentials within reach.
Some of the top-rated double strollers are expandable that allows parents to modify the layout to meet the needs of their growing family. For instance, the Mockingbird Expandable is a highly-rated double stroller that can be used with just a single seat as early as birth, and then converted to a tandem (with a second seat and bassinet) as the child grows older.
Safety
Double strollers should be able to handle the weight of both the passengers as well as any additional cargo. Strollers must also be easy to maneuver and push, especially in tight spaces and over challenging terrain. The best strollers come with ergonomic handlebars that can be adjusted in height to help parents maintain good posture when pushing them. pushchair twin -rethread harness, which makes adjusting seat belts quicker and easier, is another nice feature to look out for. A sturdy brake system and wheels that can glide over any surface are crucial safety features.
Some parents choose an arrangement that allows both children to view each other on family outings. This arrangement can help prevent siblings arguing over who gets to sit in which place however, it's not 100% secure. If the seats are positioned at different heights, one child could be able to kick or punch the other on a walk.
For parents of twins or siblings close in age, a tandem-style stroller is a great option for being able see both kids at once. However, they are larger than other double strollers, meaning they may not be able to fit through all interior doorways. For maximum versatility, consider a single-to-double stroller that transitions from a single to a tandem in a variety of ways, like the renowned CYBEX Gazelle S. These models can be adapted to a wide range of configurations and permit you to insert infant car seats or cot attachments depending on your requirements.
If you opt for a side-byside or tandem stroller, make sure that the stroller is JPMA-certified to meet strict safety standards. Also pay attention to the weight limits that apply to each seat, as exceeding them can lead to frame fatigue or other issues.
It's easy to get caught in the jingles and whistles, however it's important to keep in mind that strollers are essentially baby carriers that are used for extended durations. It should be comfortable for both the passengers and easy to clean and maintain, and in the ideal case it should have an intuitive, familiar design that the person pushing it is able to effortlessly move it around without having to think twice about how to move forward or turn left or right, or apply the brakes.
Simple to Use
For families who are constantly on the move, a double stroller should be able to maneuver easily over a variety of terrains. Features like adjustable canopy, peek-aboo windows and dependable brake systems are crucial to ensure your children's safety, however, there are other elements that influence stroller comfort of use. A stroller should be compact enough to fit into the trunk of your vehicle, but still have plenty of storage space for groceries or other items. Also important are thoughtful touches like a one-parent cup holder as well as a console for parents and snacks for children--all things that will make life on the go with two children significantly more manageable.
In our testing We evaluated each stroller based on how it performed on a variety terrains and how easily it could maneuver in tight spaces. We also looked at the ease with which it was possible to fold and unfold, and whether or not a particular feature improved the overall function of the stroller. A stroller that does not have rethread straps is easy to adjust the seat belts. This is a huge attraction for parents who are constantly on the move, as it removes the need to rethread the harness.
The UPPAbaby V2 Double was a top performer in this metric as it had a wide variety of seating options, as well as other accessories that could accommodate families that are growing. The double-stroller in the wagon style expands so that it can accommodate two seats, a bassinet, or even a toddler-riding board. This is ideal for families who plan to spend long hours in the car with a variety of children of various ages. It also glides effortlessly over cobblestones, ball fields and pavements. It also it folds flat to make easy storage in a trunk or closet. The design of this stroller is simple and easy to use and was a big hit with our tester Kerry. Its smart packaging clear sections, well-labeled sections and helpful user guide made putting together this stroller a breeze.
Stores
Double strollers can hold twice as much as one single stroller so be sure to look for plenty of storage space. Ideally, you want an item that can hold the basic necessities for both kids: nappies, bottles, snacks and toys, in addition to parents' belongings like wallets, phones keys, wallets and phones. Look for baskets and pockets under the seats. Also, consider a stroller with an expandable cargo space to accommodate bulky items like lunch bags and diaper bags.
A good double stroller should be able to adapt to the needs of your family. Billingsley states that certain models have the option of a bassinet attachment that can accommodate newborns. Some models have child seats that expand with the child until they are able to ride on the back. Some double strollers allow older children to join in on the fun with a rider board.
You'll find a wide variety of double strollers in the market, from elegant, high-performance models that can handle rough terrain to budget-friendly models more suitable for use in the everyday. As you shop, read reviews from other users and the opinions of families just like yours to get an idea of what you can expect from the double stroller you select.
Double strollers are available in three different designs such as tandem, side-byside, and wagon-style. Billingsley states that side-byside strollers are the most adaptable and ideal for twins as well as children of similar ages. Tandem double strollers, on the other hand, have two seats set close to each other and facing opposite directions. It's a great option for children who are the same age or for siblings who like to interact with one another. Tandem strollers are more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces, and less likely to fit into doorways.
If you prefer a wagon-style double stroller, check out this top pick from Safety 1st. Testers loved how this affordable model offers multiple seating configurations as well as the ability to snap in two infant car seats or a single child riding in the convertible toddler seat. Our experts also appreciated the comfortable memory foam seats and the 50+ SPF canopy and foam-filled tires that never stop running flat. When it's time for folding this model requires only just a few nudges on the straps underneath each seat (under the seat where children sit) to fold.
